Elections produced a hung parliament with the antiestablishment 5 Star Movement the biggest single party

ROME—Italy’s new parliament convened for its first session Friday following elections earlier in March, as bickering among parties suggested the country could face months without a new government.

Informal consultations since the March 4 elections have largely stalled in recent days, with parties bickering over the election of leaders for the two houses of parliament—a first step that would allow President Sergio Mattarella to initiate formal talks.